2024 Iowa State Fair Recap – August 14, 15, 16
The Blue Ribbon Foundation’s days during the Iowa State Fair are filled with welcoming our donors to the great celebration of Iowa. Staff work hard to showcase all of the amazing renovations made possible because of our loyal supporters. It’s our chance to thank these donors while hearing their personal stories, traditions and memories made at the Iowa State Fair.
Joining our staff each summer is an intern with the “Donor Relations” title. This year, Lauren McCullum, took on the role and was an incredible addition to our staff. She stayed busy organizing hospitality events, promoting the Corndog Kickoff, providing key communications with current and potentially new donors. No matter what project we asked Lauren to take on, she did it with a smile. Thank you Lauren!
On Wednesday and Thursday, the Blue Ribbon Foundation hosted BINGO on Grand Avenue. Fairgoers played 80 games each day with an average of 40 participants each game. Thank you to all of the celebrity callers that helped us raise $5,286.50!
On Thursday, the Foundation hosted Legislative Day. Approximately 50 Legislators were in attendance with their families. It’s a day for our state’s senators and representatives to enjoy the sights of the Fair and our chance to thank each of them for the continued support. Legislators explored the Fairgrounds to see the renovations and progress the Foundation is making to preserve the historic Iowa State Fairgrounds.
One of those projects was the development of Jacobson Square. The Richard O. Jacobson Foundation is assisting in the development of the area north of the Oman Family Youth Inn. Jacobson Square is a small camping lot that was auctioned off at the Corndog Kickoff. This donation also lays the groundwork for additional improvements to this area of the Fairgrounds in the future.
Another thank you to Prairie Meadows for the $50,000 grant to update the ramp at the Agriculture Building. The south and west doors were also replaced. Several capital improvement projects will be starting soon across the Fairgrounds to take advantage of the fall weather including sod around the new bath house in the campgrounds.
The Blue Ribbon Foundation takes pride in every one of our partnerships but one new relationship for 2024 was by far the most delicious! The Foundation partnered with Eileen Gannon, a long-time competitor in the Foods Department, and Sunday Night Foods to sell Eileen’s award-winning Premium Chocolate Sauce. We sold 500 jars during the Iowa State Fair. Be sure to watch as Eileen was a competitor on a new Netflix show, “Blue Ribbon Baking Championship.”
In addition to amazing business partners, the Foundation is fortunate to have special individuals connected to our organization. Tracy Forbes has been a key volunteer for the operation of the Blue Ribbon Foundation for the last couple years. As our full time staff and interns are running around the Fairgrounds during the Iowa State Fair, Tracy manages our office. She specifically helps each current donor or potentially new donor that walks in the door. Tracy goes above and beyond to make Fairgoers feel valued by our organization. Not only does she work during the Fair, but she also works before and after to help us prepare and clean up. Thank you Tracy!
The Blue Ribbon Foundation celebrated another set of Iowan of the Day winners:
Tate Giesemann, Bellevue: Tate, at just 17, is an exemplary leader and dedicated community member. He has showcased strong leadership skills through his involvement in Boys State, Student Council, FFA, and FBLA. Tate's contributions extend to the State Youth Advisory Council and the Bellevue School Board, where he provides valuable insights. He is also a member of the Sons of the American Legion and the National Honor Society. Tate's commitment to community service is evident through his participation in the Bellevue High School Silver Cord Program, with plans to join the Marines after graduation.
Rodd Holtkamp, Primghar: Rodd has been an essential contributor to Primghar and O'Brien County for many years, actively involved in various community initiatives. His dedication has been demonstrated through his work with the Mercy One Hospital Foundation for two decades, serving on the original EMS Building Construction Committee, and being a part of several influential boards. In addition to his community involvement, Rodd has also shown his commitment to the O'Brien County Fair by securing sponsors for four billboards to commemorate its 100th year.
Elaine Graham Estes, Des Moines: Elaine is a respected figure in Iowa, known for her pioneering work in civil and women's rights. She integrated dorms at Drake University and later became the first African American director of the Des Moines Public Library. Her accomplishments include innovating library materials, automating the library, protecting privacy rights, and serving on multiple boards and organizations, including the American Library Association and the State Historical Society.
After 9 days of hard work at the Iowa State Fair and only 2 days remaining, the bittersweet feeling starts to set in.
